TYPES OF FLOORING

 

What is flooring?

Flooring refers to the finished covering that’s installed above your structural floor. This helps provide your space with a uniform walking surface, where different types of flooring can offer different benefits.

For example, the type of flooring material you choose can have a different feeling underfoot. Some materials can be harder than others, while materials like stone can help keep your floors cooler in hot summers.  

What are the different types of flooring materials available in India?

There are many interesting flooring options to choose from to help you find the best flooring material for your space. Take a look at each of them in detail:

 Concrete

Cost-effective and rugged, concrete flooring is a must-have if you’re keen on getting an industrial-style aesthetic for your home

Concrete floor designs are one of the most common types of flooring in India. It is a man-made concoction of cement, rocks, granite chips, and other materials, making it strong and durable. Cement floor designs sound humble, but pack a punch.

Concrete flooring is largely damage-resistant, except for slight chipping and scratching due to wear and tear. However, moisture can adversely affect these types of floors with cracks and craters.

 Marble

Marble provides an opulent look and can be a long-lasting flooring material for your home

Marble is available in a variety of colours, including pink, grey, and white, making it one of the more popular types of flooring for Indian homes. It’s highly porous and fairly easy to maintain, sometimes lasting more than 25 years.

However, low-quality stones may turn yellowish over the years, as marble is not stain-resistant and requires proper sealing. Due to its natural occurrence and limited availability compared to other types of flooring, marble may be priced steeply.

Vitrified tile

Vitrified tiles can simulate the look of natural materials for less of the cost

Vitrified tiles are one of the most popular types of flooring in India, as they are affordable and suitable for both interior and exterior use. Generally coated with an external glaze, these tiles have a low water-absorption rate and are durable.

They come in a large variety of designs, colours, prints, and textures that can simulate natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and even marble. Additionally, vitrified tiles are available in glossy, matte, and anti-skid finishes.

 Vinyl

Vinyl is an affordable option that’s quickly becoming a fan favourite as an alternative to wooden flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring in India, as it offers stylish alternatives that are cost-effective, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. Available in versatile designs that simulate hardwood and stone finishes, vinyl can be a relatively inexpensive option to consider.

While vinyl can be one of the best flooring materials to choose for your home, it requires special care to guard against scratches. One drawback, however, is its susceptibility to discolouration when it comes into contact with rubber.

Also Read: What’s the Best Flooring to Use at Home? Ultimate Guide

 Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is available in various shade ranges like walnut and cherry to give your space a unique look

Hardwood is among the few different types of flooring that’s made from natural materials. A high-maintenance but durable option, hardwood flooring is available in strips, planks, and parquet patterns. You can also get it in different shades, like walnut and cherry, to complement your interior theme.

While hardwood flooring options can be relatively more expensive in comparison to other alternatives, it’s still a popular aesthetic choice. Do be aware, though, that wear and tear can sometimes cause noises, creaks, and squeaking in these types of floors.

 Granite

Granite is a classic flooring material that’s easy to maintain and stain-resistant

When it comes to finding the best flooring types for your home, granite flooring can be an elegant option. Due to its high stain-resistance and durability, this is a type of flooring that’s fairly easy to maintain.

In fact, you only need to protect it from scratches. The stone keeps cool for most parts of the year, making it one of the best flooring options for homes in hotter parts of India.

 Bamboo

Bamboo is suitable for moderately dry weather conditions and can mimic the look of hardwood floors

Bamboo is a naturally occurring material, and the types of floors made with it resemble hardwood floors. This is another flooring option that’s fairly easy to maintain, as it is water- and stain-resistant. 

However, scratches can be a concern with bamboo floors. Similarly, humid weather can cause the bamboo planks to swell, so this flooring type is best used in moderately dry climates.

 Laminate

Laminate is resistant to staining but may need replacement in case of damage

If you’re looking for affordable flooring options in India that mimic the look of wood, laminate can be a great choice. Laminate flooring is steadily gaining popularity as it’s durable, sturdy, easy to install, and fairly resistant to stains and water damage. However, damage may require complete replacement, as it cannot be repolished or redone.

The diversity in the range of patterns and finishes makes this one of the best types of flooring materials for your interiors. While shopping for laminate flooring, make sure to check for slip-resistant options to keep your homes accident-free.

 Linoleum

Best-suited for space at home with a low footfall, linoleum is the perfect option if you’d like to take a sustainable approach to design

Linoleum is a relatively eco-friendly option among the different types of flooring, as it’s produced from raw materials like linseed oil, cork, dust, and resin. Being a cost-effective and highly versatile (in terms of design) flooring option, it’s very popular in Indian homes.

However, its soft surface can be prone to dents and scratches from careless usage. It is therefore best to only use these types of flooring in low-traffic areas of the house.

 Terrazzo

Terrazzo not only has multiple applications in the different rooms of a home, but can also lend a retro-style touch to the space

Among the different flooring types worth checking out, terrazzo is a strong contender. It consists of chips of granite and marble placed in concrete or similar materials to create a speckled look.

Commonly called mosaic flooring, these types of flooring are durable enough to stand the test of time. Though they have a retro look, these tiles have been reinvented and are now stain-resistant and easy to maintain.

 Red oxide

Red oxide flooring is popular in the southern parts of India and can give your home a Chettinad-style look

Red oxide flooring is much loved due to its timeless and elegant look. As red oxide is easy to maintain and cost-effective, it’s a popular option in warm and tropical climates.

In recent years, other shades of red oxide like green, blue, yellow, and black are gaining popularity. However, these types of flooring can be quite difficult to lay and may require skilled masons.

 Brick

Due to its cost-effectiveness, brick flooring is widely popular in different parts of India. Known for their extraordinary strength, fire-resistance, and extensive durability, bricks are also easy to clean. However, brick is also highly porous and can chip off easily without proper care and maintenance.

Brick is one of the types of flooring that can be laid in different patterns, including staggered, basket weave, and other arrangements. This is one of the best options if you’re looking for flooring ideas that maintain a moderate temperature and add a hint of rustic style to your home.

 Porcelain

Porcelain flooring offers a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance option for modern homes, combining elegance with practicality. Its stain-resistant and scratch-proof surface makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, while a variety of designs ensures seamless integration with any interior style.

 Cork flooring

Cork flooring is an eco-friendly and comfortable choice, providing natural warmth and sound insulation for any space. Its soft, resilient surface is perfect for living areas and bedrooms, while its unique textures add a stylish, organic touch to interior design.